Demystifying Networking Myths

This is just not true! In fact, I landed my first job at Neiman Marcus by talking to the sales associates in the store. I set up informational interviews with them because they had something I didn’t, inside knowledge of the company, who is who, cultural norms, corporate structure etc. You must start right where you are. Don’t discount even the young person who rings you up at the cashier, they know HR and you don’t. Plus, you can practice that 60 second elevator pitch and perfect it by the time you meet the CEO and top management.

Myth # 2: You have to be a natural to network, it doesn’t take work.

I had a client come in today to tell me she landed an investment banking Job at UBS in New York. When I started working with her, she was timid and not sure how to network. So we worked on her image, elevator pitch and reasons for wanting to network. Once you have those key elements, then you will build the confidence.

It’s not necessarily about you being a natural it’s about you being able to think, write and practice. It’s also something you can learn. Try reading the following excellent books (and look out for my book on networking coming out soon!): Little Black Book of Connection by Jeffrey Gitomer’s and the The Networking Survival Guide by Diane Darling.

Myth #3: You have to be an extrovert to be a successful networker!

So not true! I have had so many shy clients (men and women) come to me and say but I can’t network. Well, it’s similar to what I said above you must practice, practice and practice. Would you believe it if I told you my Myers Briggs Type Analysis said I was an INTJ - yes the I stands for Introvert! You’re probably saying there is no way a career coach and networking guide is an introvert, but we all have the ability to step out of our comfort zones in order to achieve what we want.

Myth #4: Networking takes too much time and it has to be done face to face.

Remember the last time you were on the train and you had a great conversation until you arrived at your stop? Remember the last time you were waiting in line and you struck up a conversation with the next person in line?

Well, it only takes you two seconds to say hello and deliver small talk: the weather, the outfit, the neighborhood, the cab that drove by with a sign on it, or I’ve seen you around do you work in the area?

Would you believe I met a top pharmaceutical sales rep on Facebook? Would you believe I met an HR executive for the D.C. transportation system on Blackplanet? Would you believe I met a former hip hop writer P-Diddy off Myspace? Just be sure to be polite and courteous in all of your interactions and offer useful information to your contacts - it works both ways. You as well need to be of value to them. Most of the time I just give, give, give without asking for nothing just so I can be in a person’s company and learn from them.

Myth #5: You need to know tons of people to network.

Just start with who you know: friends, parents, friend’s parents, parent’s friends... and that’s just the beginning. My dentist is married to the sister of the Dean at my former job. I had a client who landed a job at a national bank from sharing with her mechanic that she was looking in that field. Connect with your hairstylist, favorite restaurant owner, former classmates, and don’t stop there.

Networking Facts
• 37 percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said the biggest mistake people make when networking is not asking for help

• The Wall Street Journal reported that 94 percent of successful job hunters claimed that networking had made all the difference for them

• Between 60 and 90 percent of jobs are found informally - mainly through friends, relatives and direct contacts. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 63.4 percent of all workers use informal job finding methods.

Natascha F. Saunders, is a Certified Professional Career Coach for more visit www.theyouthcareercoach.com or email her at NataschaSaunders@gmail.com.